Waist warmer

ABSTRACT

An article of apparel designed to be worn over an individual&#39;s pants, shirt, skirt, under various articles of clothing or instead of various articles of clothing. The article of clothing would extend between an individual&#39;s chest to the individual&#39;s hips, slightly below the individual&#39;s hips or around the individual&#39;s buttocks, at the same time encompassing the individual&#39;s midriff. Various accessories can be utilized with this article of clothing. The circumference of a top opening of the article of clothing is less than the circumference of the bottom opening of the article of clothing. Alternatively, the circumference of the top opening could be greater than the circumference of the bottom opening or both circumferences could be equal in size. The circumference of the article of clothing could gradually increase from the first opening of the article of clothing until it reaches the bottom opening of the article of clothing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,732, filed on Dec. 19, 2008, the subject matter contained therein being incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an article of clothing generally applied around an individual's midriff. Although the clothing of the present invention is generally directed to the use by a female, the teachings provided herein are not so limited and could be used around any individual's midriff.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The initial concept of this article of clothing was developed to cover the space on the body between the individual's pant's top and the bottom of shirt that sometimes becomes exposed during movement. Additionally, it can also have many other uses such as acting as a fashion statement, being utilized by the medical field to hold medical devices or heating/ice pads, using pockets to hold phones, keys and papers, being used by pregnant women, and being used in sleepwear, or being used for sports or water sports, etc. Furthermore, the article of clothing can be worn over, under or instead of clothing.

Generally, apparel items, when designed have two main purposes in mind. The first purpose is of course, to clothe the individual, and its function is dictated by the type of clothing, i.e. a blouse, a skirt, slacks or outerwear. Since clothing items can be construed as an extension of the wearer's personality, many decorative features and colors would be included to fit the taste of a multitude of individuals.

Additionally, if the item of clothing is designed to be worn to clothe the body, the ability to have the individual to be protected against cold weather would be another consideration. In this context, many items of clothing, such as sweaters or pullovers have been designed to be worn over shirts, blouses and the like. An example of a type of article used to warm the body would be U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,801, issued to Jakus. This patent illustrates a body warmer wrapped around the waist of a user with a body portion covering the kidneys of the user. Flaps are designed to be wrapped around and secured to the front of the body of the individual. The width of these flaps is less than the width of the body portion which covers the rear of the individual. As indicated in column 2, lines 1-4, the body warmer can be worn on the outside of the user's clothes as well as the inside of the user's clothes, similar to an undergarment.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,396, issued to Stack describes a body muscle supporter 10 which is sleeveless and constructed of elastic material adapted to stretch in a longitudinal and transverse direction. When worn, the body muscle supporter is cylindrical and is positioned around the body of an individual. A zipper closure is used to assure that the body muscle supporter remains in place. It is noted that the device is especially useful in the support of the chest for assisting in the alleviation of pain in the chest cavity such as caused by fractured ribs or pleurisy.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,775, issued to Carney illustrates a maternity garment in the form of a stretchable band garment as illustrated in FIG. 1 designed to be worn over the user's pants to cover unfastened clothing due to weight gain and shape change, as shown in FIG. 4, but under the user's top as illustrated with respect to FIG. 4A.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,749,552, issued to Feste discusses a vest to be used primarily by a feverish person in retaining body heat for breaking that person's fever. The vest comprises an elongated sheet or strip of wood veneer and is tied to the chest of the individual utilizing tie cords or tapes.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0218690, in the name of James discusses a waist-fastening, hip-encompassing apparel having at least one concealed storage compartment. As described in this reference, while the apparel described therein is made of a flexible clothing material and is wrapped around the body of the wearer, it is generally fastened to the wearer's waist as shown in FIG. 10.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0092267, in the name of Boehler, describes a wrap and cover-up device adapted to be stored in a handbag and not designed to cover a woman's midriff.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0244805, in the name of Griffin describes an article of apparel including an outer garment which is provided with a built-in inner garment as shown in FIG. 1A. Although FIGS. 7A and 7B show the use of a variant of the article of apparel described in the Griffin publication, this article of apparel is designed to be worn under the clothes of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by the present invention which is an article of clothing generally used by an individual to keep that individual warm and/or to be used in conjunction with various pieces of clothing to provide an attractive outfit. As previously indicated, this article of clothing can be used for a woman, a man, a child or an infant. The article of clothing has a generally flared shape with an open top and open bottom allowing this piece of clothing to be worn around the individual's waist or midriff, with the circumference of the top portion, greater than the circumference of the bottom portion. However, the shape of the article of clothing may be wider at the top, wider at the bottom or the same width from top to bottom depending on the shape of the individual.

The article of clothing would be provided in several lengths adapted to cover more or less of the individual's body based upon the temperature of the environment, the time of year, and the preference of the individual, and the size and weight of the individual.

The article of clothing, in one embodiment, would be donned by the individual by applying the article of clothing over the individual's head and then pulled downward to surround the individual's waist as well as areas above and below the individual's waist.

Additional embodiments would include a zipper, buttons, snaps or the like, which would be opened and closed to allow the individual to don the article of clothing by putting it around their waist.

The article of clothing can be worn over, under, or instead of other clothing.

All the embodiments could include various accessories such as pockets, stripings, fur, decorative belts and the like to customize the waist warmer to an individual's taste. The pockets can be adapted to include warming devices, cell phone devices, keys, paper, ultrasound or other devices to assist in medical treatment therein. Additionally, the exterior of the garment can be provided with various printed or woven images. The stripings could be reflective to provide safety to the individual when outside in the dark. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The article of clothing can be made from various fabrics or blends such as, but not limited to 100% cotton jersey knits, stretch velvet, 90% polyester/10% Spandex, other jersey knits such as poly/cotton/Lycra®, cotton/Lycra®, 80% spun silk/20% stretch nylon, 100% silk, 100% filament silk, or a 100% silk interlock knit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention showing the use of a zipper;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the present invention showing the use of a side zipper;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the present invention without the inclusion of a zipper;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention showing the use of buttons to open and close the waist warmer; and

FIGS. 8-16 show front views of the present invention with various accessories or accommodations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 show different embodiments of the present invention based upon the time of year that the waist warmer 10 would be worn, or, based upon the preference of the individual. The waist warmer 10 generally comprises a single piece of material. However, it could be comprised of multiple materials. It would be manufactured from a material which would allow the waist warmer 10 to stretch. However, it is noted that embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a material which does not appreciably stretch, such as leather. The waist warmer 10 can be manufactured from cotton, wool, Lycra® or any other type of material.

Each of the waist warmers 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are provided with the top opening 12 and the bottom opening 14. The top opening 12 would extend around the entire piece of material. Similarly, the bottom opening 14 would also extend around the entire piece of material of the waist warmer 10. In all three embodiments, shown in FIGS. 1-3, the top opening 12, when the waist warmer 10 is worn, would be provided at approximately the middle of the individual's chest. The bottom opening 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 would be worn around the individual's hips and the circumference of the bottom opening 14 would be greater than the circumference of the top opening 12. The opening 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 would extend slightly below the individual's hips. Opening 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 would extend approximately to the individual's buttocks. The length of the article of clothing will be anywhere between the mid chest (just under the breast) and the hip buttocks or any length therebetween.

A side 15 of the waist warmer would extend from the top opening 12 shown in FIG. 3 for approximately ⅙ to ½ the entire length of the garment, at which point the garment would flare outwardly at 17 until it reached the bottom opening 14. The circumference of the bottom opening 15 would generally remain the same and be equal to the circumference of the top opening 12. However, once the garment begins to flare outward, the circumference would gradually increase until it reached to bottom opening 14.

As shown in the drawings, the length of the waist warmer 10 of FIG. 2 would be longer than the length of the waist warmer 10 shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the length of the waist warmer 10 in FIG. 3 would be greater than the length of the waist warmer 10 with respect to FIG. 2.

Based upon the size of each individual, the length of the waist warmer 10 shown in FIG. 1 would be between 7 and 8 inches; the length of the waist warmer 10 shown in FIG. 2 would be between 7 and 11 inches; and the length of the waist warmer 10 shown in FIG. 3 would be between 7 and 14 inches. However, it can be appreciated that these lengths can change.

Although the specific type of material utilized to construct the waist warmer 10 is not crucial to the present invention, it has been found that various compositions of material would be used depending upon the type of use or the weather. For example, Tricot and Raschel knits would be able to function as gym, dance or sports clothing. Other material such as cotton jersey knits could also be utilized. Similarly, the waist warmer 10 could be constructed from 100% cotton jersey knits or a Lycra® blend for casual wear and stretch velvet or leather could also be worn for dressier applications. However, the exact material used to construct the waist warmer is not crucial to the present invention and other fabrics can be employed.

During the summer, cotton jersey knits could provide coverage while still keeping the individual cool. During the winter, it has been found that 85% wool blends would provide suitable warmth, as well as a material manufactured from 100% cashmere or a knitted fabric, as well as an alternative such as silk, polyester or 100% filament silk. However, it can be appreciated that different blends of material as well as different colors could be used within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, stretch velvet 90% poly/10% spandex can also be employed.

The remaining figures describe various manners in which the waist warmer 10 is put on as well as various accessories utilized with the waist warmer. It is noted that the waist warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 4-16 reflect the size of the first embodiment. However, it is noted that the manner of putting on the waist warmer 10 as well as the accessories shown in FIGS. 4-16 can also be applied to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with minor modifications.

FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 14 show variants of the manner in which the waist warmer 10 is put on. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 would be donned by putting the bottom opening 14 over the individual's head and then lowering it until it fits in the manner shown in FIG. 1, 2 or 3. Alternatively, the one piece waist warmer 10 can be put on utilizing a zipper 16 extending from the top to the bottom of the waist warmer 10. This zipper 16 can be applied to the front or back of the waist warmer 10; or, as shown in FIG. 5, a zipper 18 is provided on the side of the waist warmer 10. A zipper can be affixed at any location on the waist warmer.

FIG. 6 shows the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, 2 or 3 in which the waist warmer 10 is pulled over the head of the individual. In this instance, stretch bands 20 and 22 are applied to the top and bottom of the waist warmer 10 to assist this process.

FIG. 7 shows the use of a plurality of buttons 24 extending for all or most of the length of the waist warmer 10. These buttons could be applied on the side, the front or the back of the waist warmer 10. Similarly, FIG. 14 shows the use of a pair of Velcro® strips 42 used to secure one end of the waist warmer 10 to its other end. Similarly, snaps and hooks and eyes could be used to fasten the waist warmer.

FIG. 8 shows the use of a series of reflective stripes 26 running the length of waist warmer 10. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which decorative accessories, such as buttons 28 applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer 10. As can be appreciated, various other types of accessories in various shapes, patterns and designs could also be applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer.

FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a decorative belt 30 along with a buckle 32 which is provided approximately half way between the top of the waist warmer 10 and the bottom of the waist warmer 10.

As shown in FIG. 11, various decorative bands of material 34, 36, such as fur, can be applied to the top and bottom portions of the waist warmer 10.

As illustrated with respect to FIG. 12, the waist warmer 10 can be provided with a series of pockets 38 applied to the exterior surface of the waist warmer 10 for the purpose of carrying various items, such as a cell phone, Blackberry®, Ipod®, water bottles, keys, lipstick, identification papers and the like. The pockets can also be used for medical treatment such as heating pads, ice pads, ultrasound devices and the like.

When used as part of a work-out outfit, reflective strips 40 can be applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer 10. This is particularly useful when wearing the waist warmer 10 after dark. Elastic 45 could be inserted inside the waist warmer at various strengths to act as a support for back muscles, as shown in, for example, FIG. 16.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional features of the waist warmer 10 such as the inclusion of an interior pocket 44 applied to the interior surface of the waist warmer 10 as well as the ability to fold over the top or bottom portions 12 and 14, as shown at 46.

Although the drawings only show the front of the waist warmer 10, it can be appreciated that the waist warmer 10 is generally symmetrical and similar accessories, fasteners or other items can be applied to the entire outside surface of the waist warmer 10.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover any of these modifications and variations. 

1. A garment adapted to be worn by an individual, the garment comprising: material provided with a top opening extending around the top of said material and a bottom opening extending around the bottom of said material, the length of said material from said top opening of said material to said bottom opening of said material corresponding to the distance between the individual's mid chest below the breast to the individual's buttocks.
 2. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the length of said material from said top opening of said material to said bottom opening of said material corresponds to the distance between the individual's mid chest to below the individual's buttocks.
 3. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the circumference of said top opening is greater than the circumference of said bottom opening.
 4. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the circumference of said top opening is less than the circumference of said bottom opening.
 5. The garment in accordance with claim 1, further including a device for securing one side of said material to a second side of said material for facilitating putting the garment on.
 6. The garment in accordance with claim 5, wherein said device is a zipper.
 7. The garment in accordance with claim 5, wherein said device is a series of buttons.
 8. The garment in accordance with claim 5, wherein said device is Velcro®.
 9. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said material comprises a blend of cotton and Lycra® or spandex.
 10. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said material comprises cotton.
 11. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said material comprises a blend of wool and polyester.
 12. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said material comprises Tricot and Raschel, nylon and spandex.
 13. The garment in accordance with claim 1, further including at least one pocket applied to the exterior surface of said material.
 14. The garment in accordance with claim 1, further including at least one pocket applied to the interior surface of said material.
 15. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said material is stretchable.
 16. The garment in accordance with claim 15, wherein said top and bottom portions are stretchable bands.
 17. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the garment is fabricated with more than one material.
 18. The garment adapted to be worn by an individual comprising: material provided with a top opening extending around the top of said material and a bottom opening extending around the bottom of said material to form a tube to be worn around an individual's midriff, having various lengths and proportions.
 19. The garment in accordance with claim 18, wherein elastic strips are inserted at various strengths to provide back support.
 20. The garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the material is a knitted fabric. 